On March 19, Nature Communications published a groundbreaking study by Professor Yao Jing's research team at Wuhan University's (WHU) College of Life Sciences. The study revealed the molecular mechanism behind how natural essential oils stimulate skin renewal by activating the TRPV3 channel. PhD candidates Li Yang and Lu Xuteng are co-first authors, with Professor Yao Jing as the corresponding author.

Schematic diagram of natural essential oil activating the TRPV3 channel to promote skin renewal.

The study focused on acyclic monoterpenes – such as citronellal and citral – commonly found in essential oils. Experiments showed that these compounds activate the TRPV3 ion channel in keratinocytes, triggering calcium influx and subsequently stimulating the EGFR signaling pathway. This process promotes cell proliferation and increases epidermal thickness, key indicators of youthful, healthy skin. Notably, when the TRPV3 channel was knocked out, the skin-renewal effects of the essential oil disappeared.

Using cryo-electron microscopy, the team resolved the structure of human TRPV3 bound to essential oil components. Their findings revealed that these compounds competitively bind to a hydrophobic pocket in the channel protein, inducing conformational changes that open the channel. This study sheds light on the skincare benefits of essential oils and offers new insights for developing TRPV3-targeted drugs.

Link to paper: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58033-9#Ack1